Essentially, PCDDs is a compound that is formed as a byproduct of numerous things. Including burning of waste, chemical dumpsites, bleaching paper and pulp in mills, trichlorophenol (in insecticides and preservatives), pentachlorophenol (in insecticides, fungicides, weed killers, and wood preservatives), heating of anything containing PCBs (generally plastics), fossil fuel incineration, sewage sludge, and hospital waste. Despite the lack of information, it is rather clear that this chemical is not healthy. It has been found to possibly affect the reproductive system, however there are opposing factors. Humans digest and excrete PCDDs for the most part, the small amount not digested is considered not significantly harmful. It is possible carcinogenic, possibly cause minor functional damage, and causes chloracne. They travel on the surface of liquids, are airborne dust particles, and possibly leech into the ground. However, there has been no implication that they cause any significant harm to the environment. They are located throughout the world, mainly in areas that are heavily populated and built-up.
Background:
How/Why We Use This Chemical:
This chemical is not intentionally produced; it has no use.
Specific products it is in:
It is the byproduct of:
• Burning of waste
• Chemical dumpsites
• Bleaching paper and pulp in mills
• Trichlorophenol (in insecticides and preservatives)
• Pentachlorophenol (in insecticides, fungicides, weed killers, and wood preservatives)
• Heating of anything containing PCBs
• Fossil fuel incineration
• Sewage sludge
• Hospital waste
What It Does (Positives):
They are a byproduct of substances, such chemicals that allow us to bleach paper and pulp, chemicals that preserve our foods, preserve wood used in most building, et cetera. All of those things which polychlorinated dibenzo p-dioxins are a byproduct are necessary parts of human culture.
Where It Is Used:
Basically, polychlorinated dibenzo p-dioxins are produced anywhere that has a hospital, mills producing anything with plastic, fossil fuel sites, and anywhere that has a sewage system, anywhere near a factory.
Production:
Formed mainly by burning fossil fuels.
Health:
Possible Dangers:
The only effect due to either unintentional exposure or occupational exposure that is certain is chloracne and maybe minor functional disorders. Chloracne is “a skin disease resembling severe acne, caused by exposure to chlorinated chemicals.” (Oxford American Dictionaries) Another possible result of exposure to PCDDs is cancer, however this theory has been disproved by a number of findings. There are no definite findings that suggest this leads to reproductive damage or any other significant illnesses.
Human Systems Involved:
Possible reproductive system, however there are opposing factors. Humans digest and excrete PCDDs for the most part, the small amount not digested is considered not significantly harmful. It is also suggested that they are carcinogenic.
Environmental:
It is thought that PCDDs are airborne dust particles or dispersed into the air due to volatilization. Water-borne transport has not been studied, but it is possible that they travel on the surface of water. It is also possible that they leech into the ground. Because PCDDs are chemically stable, it is not likely that the environment will degrade it. There are no specific cases that have been studied that suggest PCDDs to cause any significant environmental harm.
Political/Economic:
There has been no conflict involving this compound.
Summary:
There are no benefits of PCDDs, because they are completely unintentional. Because there is very little research on PCDDs is not clear the extent to which the damage is. The actions necessary to decrease the amount of PCDDs would be to stop burning waste, substitute insecticides, preservatives, fungicides, weed killers, and wood preservatives, stop burning materials containing PCBs (found in plastic), and substitute fossil fuels.
Table of Contents
Abstract:
Essentially, PCDDs is a compound that is formed as a byproduct of numerous things. Including burning of waste, chemical dumpsites, bleaching paper and pulp in mills, trichlorophenol (in insecticides and preservatives), pentachlorophenol (in insecticides, fungicides, weed killers, and wood preservatives), heating of anything containing PCBs (generally plastics), fossil fuel incineration, sewage sludge, and hospital waste. Despite the lack of information, it is rather clear that this chemical is not healthy. It has been found to possibly affect the reproductive system, however there are opposing factors. Humans digest and excrete PCDDs for the most part, the small amount not digested is considered not significantly harmful. It is possible carcinogenic, possibly cause minor functional damage, and causes chloracne. They travel on the surface of liquids, are airborne dust particles, and possibly leech into the ground. However, there has been no implication that they cause any significant harm to the environment. They are located throughout the world, mainly in areas that are heavily populated and built-up.Background:
How/Why We Use This Chemical:
This chemical is not intentionally produced; it has no use.Specific products it is in:
It is the byproduct of:• Burning of waste
• Chemical dumpsites
• Bleaching paper and pulp in mills
• Trichlorophenol (in insecticides and preservatives)
• Pentachlorophenol (in insecticides, fungicides, weed killers, and wood preservatives)
• Heating of anything containing PCBs
• Fossil fuel incineration
• Sewage sludge
• Hospital waste
What It Does (Positives):
They are a byproduct of substances, such chemicals that allow us to bleach paper and pulp, chemicals that preserve our foods, preserve wood used in most building, et cetera. All of those things which polychlorinated dibenzo p-dioxins are a byproduct are necessary parts of human culture.Where It Is Used:
Basically, polychlorinated dibenzo p-dioxins are produced anywhere that has a hospital, mills producing anything with plastic, fossil fuel sites, and anywhere that has a sewage system, anywhere near a factory.Production:
Formed mainly by burning fossil fuels.Health:
Possible Dangers:
The only effect due to either unintentional exposure or occupational exposure that is certain is chloracne and maybe minor functional disorders. Chloracne is “a skin disease resembling severe acne, caused by exposure to chlorinated chemicals.” (Oxford American Dictionaries) Another possible result of exposure to PCDDs is cancer, however this theory has been disproved by a number of findings. There are no definite findings that suggest this leads to reproductive damage or any other significant illnesses.Human Systems Involved:
Possible reproductive system, however there are opposing factors. Humans digest and excrete PCDDs for the most part, the small amount not digested is considered not significantly harmful. It is also suggested that they are carcinogenic.Environmental:
It is thought that PCDDs are airborne dust particles or dispersed into the air due to volatilization. Water-borne transport has not been studied, but it is possible that they travel on the surface of water. It is also possible that they leech into the ground. Because PCDDs are chemically stable, it is not likely that the environment will degrade it. There are no specific cases that have been studied that suggest PCDDs to cause any significant environmental harm.Political/Economic:
There has been no conflict involving this compound.Summary:
There are no benefits of PCDDs, because they are completely unintentional. Because there is very little research on PCDDs is not clear the extent to which the damage is. The actions necessary to decrease the amount of PCDDs would be to stop burning waste, substitute insecticides, preservatives, fungicides, weed killers, and wood preservatives, stop burning materials containing PCBs (found in plastic), and substitute fossil fuels.Public Service Announcement:
PSA